Camping World RV Sales- Lake City, FL Exposed: Hidden Fees, Failed PDIs, Title Delays & Slow Service

Introduction: Who This Dealer Is and Why This Report Exists

AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report. Camping World RV Sales – Lake City, FL is part of Camping World Holdings, Inc., the largest national RV dealership chain in the United States. The Lake City store serves North Florida and South Georgia shoppers along the I-75 corridor. While the brand’s footprint offers extensive inventory and financing options, consumer feedback for this specific location highlights patterns of serious breakdowns in sales transparency, service reliability, and after-sale support that RV buyers should weigh carefully.

To see unfiltered customer experiences, visit the dealership’s Google Business Profile and sort by “Lowest rating.” Start here: Camping World RV Sales – Lake City, FL Google reviews. Use “Sort by Lowest Rating” to surface the most critical, recent reviews and read them in full to judge trends and details for yourself. If you have first-hand experience, would you add your story below?

Community Research: Where to Hear Unfiltered Owner Voices

Before buying, immerse yourself in real owner feedback—especially for the RV brand and floorplan you’re considering—and compare it with the Lake City store’s specific reputation. Consider these steps:

• Google reviews: Sort by “Lowest rating” and read full 1–2 star accounts. Note dates and any patterns in responses or resolutions.
• Facebook owner groups: Join multiple brand- and model-specific communities to see day-to-day maintenance, defects, and dealer support realities. Use this Google search to find relevant groups: Search RV brand Facebook groups.
• YouTube consumer advocates: Channels like Liz Amazing have documented recurring issues with RV dealer practices industry-wide. Start with her channel and search the dealer name: Liz Amazing’s RV consumer investigations.

Before You Buy: Arrange a Third-Party RV Inspection

We strongly recommend hiring an independent, certified RV inspector to perform a full pre-purchase inspection on the exact unit you intend to buy—before you sign or take delivery. This is your biggest leverage to catch critical defects, water intrusion, safety hazards, or misrepresented conditions before money changes hands. Many consumers report that after sale, their new or used RV was stuck for weeks or months awaiting parts and service, forcing them to cancel trips while their investment sat at the dealer.

• Book the inspection yourself: Find qualified inspectors near Lake City via: Search “RV Inspectors near me”.
• Demand a comprehensive written report: Include roof, slides, seals, electrical, plumbing, axle/brakes, tires (DOT dates), frame, generators, appliances, and water damage testing with a moisture meter.
• Walk away if denied: If the dealership won’t allow a third-party inspection, that’s a major red flag. Walk.
• Do not accept “we’ll fix it later” without leverage: Any issues found should be corrected in writing with a “We Owe” form tied to delivery timing—or renegotiate price accordingly.

If you’re new to RV inspections, line up quotes early: Find RV inspectors near me. And if you’ve experienced post-sale service delays, share your insights in the comments.

Patterns of Consumer Complaints at Camping World RV Sales – Lake City, FL

Public reviews, forum threads, and consumer reports show recurring themes that prospective buyers should consider. While not every transaction ends poorly, the patterns below are serious enough to warrant caution at this specific location. Use the citations in the “Verify and Dig Deeper” section to validate details across multiple platforms and read current consumer accounts in full.

High-Pressure Sales, Add-Ons, and Surprise Fees

Numerous consumers describe aggressive sales tactics and a pricing process that changes late in the deal. Common themes include “must-have” accessory bundles, prep fees, “nitrogen in tires,” paint/fabric protection, and other add-ons presented as required or already installed. These can push the out-the-door price thousands above the advertised figure.

• Extended warranties and service plans: Reports highlight heavy pushes for Good Sam extended service plans and other add-ons at sign-off. If you’re told a plan is required for financing or coverage, ask for the policy document and confirm in writing that it’s optional.
• Simple tactic to counter: Bring a written “do not add” list to F&I, pre-approve any optional products in writing, and request removal of any pre-installed add-ons you don’t want.

To see accounts of surprise fees and add-ons at the Lake City store, read the lowest-rated reviews here: Google reviews for Camping World RV Sales – Lake City, FL. If you encountered this, tell us what was added and how you handled it.

Financing: Higher Rates and Payment-Driven Selling

Several shoppers report being steered toward longer loan terms at higher-than-expected interest, often with high-margin products (GAP, tire-and-wheel, extended service plans) rolled into the financed amount. Payment-driven selling can hide cost increases.

• Best practice: Secure a pre-approval from your credit union or bank and bring the rate and terms in writing. Insist the dealership match or beat it without bundling add-ons.
• Check APR and total financed amount: Verify the APR, total cost of borrowing, and that no optional products have been included without explicit consent. The federal Truth in Lending Act requires clear disclosure.

Low-Ball Trade-In Offers and Appraisal Discrepancies

Consumers frequently allege a gap between early verbal estimates and final trade valuations, including last-minute “reconditioning” deductions. This can be a major source of deal friction, especially for first-time RV traders who lack comp data.

• Protect yourself: Get written trade estimates from multiple local dealers and instant cash offers where possible. Document condition with photos and maintenance records.
• Refuse forced timelines: Don’t accept “today-only” offers. Pause the deal if trade figures shift at the eleventh hour.

Delayed Titles and Paperwork Problems

Multiple low-star accounts for this location reference slow or missing titles, registration transfers, and lien paperwork errors that prevented legal use of the RV. Delays can jeopardize insurance, travel plans, and even resale options.

• Florida title deadlines: Dealers must process titles and registrations promptly under Florida law. Excessive delays should be escalated to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) and, if necessary, to the Florida Attorney General.
• Pro tip: Before paying in full, require a written timeline for title work and specific contact for follow-up.

Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) Failures and DOA Features

The most costly source of frustration comes from RVs delivered with immediate defects: water leaks, slideout malfunctions, inoperable appliances, bad seals, electrical issues, or missing parts. Buyers report finding problems at pickup that suggest inadequate PDI.

• Insist on a thorough delivery day walk-through: Test every system with a checklist and avoid taking delivery if material defects are present. Get repairs documented in writing (with promised dates) or refuse delivery.
• Independent PDI: Reiterate: hire your own inspector—before pickup: Find a third-party RV inspector.

Service Backlogs, Parts Delays, and “Waiting for Authorization”

Customers describe long repair queues, repeated scheduling without resolution, and extended waits for parts or warranty authorization. Some report rigs sitting on the lot for weeks with little communication, causing missed trips and added storage or lodging costs.

• Written timelines matter: If your RV is undriveable or uninhabitable, document this and request priority service. Ask for loaner or storage accommodations in writing if delays are prolonged.
• Escalation path: If road-safety issues are involved (brakes, axles, steering), file a complaint with NHTSA and notify the manufacturer.

Warranty Confusion and Extended Service Plan Disputes

Consumers often conflate manufacturer warranty obligations with third-party extended service plan (ESP) coverage. Complaints include denied claims, fine-print exclusions, and difficulty obtaining prompt repairs—particularly when the defect is classified as a “component supplier issue.”

• Request documents up front: Ask for the full manufacturer warranty and ESP terms before purchase. Verify who authorizes repairs and typical timeline.
• Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act: Dealers cannot require tie-in sales for warranty coverage. If told you must use dealer service or buy specific products, this may violate federal law.

Quality of Workmanship on Repairs

Some reviewers report “fixes” that failed quickly or caused new issues (e.g., improper sealant application, trim reattachment problems, and misdiagnoses). This can force repeated visits and escalate costs.

• Inspection before pickup: After any repair, inspect the work before leaving—look for straight fasteners, correctly sealed joints, and fully tested systems.
• Second opinions: For complex issues, consider a mobile RV tech or specialized shop for an independent diagnosis.

Communication Breakdowns and Unkept Promises

A persistent theme is difficulty reaching the right person, inconsistent updates, and commitments that slip without explanation. Buyers recount repeated calls and emails to sales, service, and finance with slow responses.

• Centralize in writing: Keep all commitments and timelines in email. Recap phone calls in writing and ask for confirmation.
• Escalate strategically: If you don’t get a callback by a promised date, escalate to management in writing and copy corporate customer care.

Inventory Condition and Online Listing Discrepancies

Shoppers report instances where the unit on the lot does not match online representations regarding condition, options, or advertised pricing. This is common in the RV market but is particularly important with large national chains where inventory turns quickly.

• Verify VIN-specific options: Ask for the build sheet and physically confirm every feature. Inspect for prior water intrusion and roof condition on-site.
• Walk if mismatched: If the unit differs meaningfully from the listing or prior representations, walk away—or renegotiate price to reflect actual condition.

For real-world narratives at this exact location, read the lowest-rated entries here: Lake City Google reviews. Also see independent investigations such as Liz Amazing’s buyer-beware videos, then search her channel for “Camping World Lake City.”

Product and Safety Impact Analysis

Defective components at delivery or post-service can pose safety hazards on the road and at the campsite. Based on common RV defect patterns seen across owner communities and reviews at this store, here’s what to watch:

• Brakes, axles, suspension: Misadjusted brakes or axle issues can cause dangerous stopping distances, uneven tire wear, and blowouts.
• Electrical faults: Battery wiring errors or shorted circuits risk fire. Inspect for proper fusing, cable routing, and no exposed conductors.
• Propane leaks: Faulty fittings or regulators can cause explosions or carbon monoxide risk. Bring a gas leak detector to the walkthrough.
• Water intrusion: Roof or wall leaks lead to rot, mold, and structurally compromised walls/floors—expensive and dangerous over time.
• Slideouts and leveling: Malfunctioning slides or jacks can strand you or damage the coach.

Always run a VIN recall search for the unit you plan to purchase. Use NHTSA’s recall resources and verify with the manufacturer before taking delivery:

• NHTSA VIN recall lookup
• Broader safety/recall research: NHTSA recall search (dealership query)

If you’ve encountered a serious safety defect linked with service or delivery at this location, please report what happened in the comments so future buyers can avoid the same risk.

Legal and Regulatory Warnings

Consumer complaints visible online raise potential exposure to consumer-protection laws and regulators if substantiated. Key frameworks and agencies to know:

• Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA): Prohibits unfair or deceptive acts in trade or commerce. Patterns of misrepresentation, hidden fees, or unfulfilled promises may implicate FDUTPA. See the Florida Attorney General’s guidance and complaint portal.
• Florida title/registration laws: Dealers must promptly process title and registration. Prolonged delays can be reported to FLHSMV.
• Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act: Federal law governing written warranties on consumer products; prohibits tying warranty coverage to specific services/products. Misstatements about required add-ons may be problematic.
• Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Unfair or deceptive practices in financing or advertising can draw FTC scrutiny.
• NHTSA: Vehicle safety defects—including motorized RVs—fall under NHTSA. File a complaint if a safety defect is not addressed.
• Florida Lemon Law (motorized RVs): Coverage is limited and typically applies to the chassis/drive portion of motorhomes within specific time/mileage windows; towables are generally not covered. Review official state guidance.

Useful resources:

• Florida Attorney General – Consumer Protection
• Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)
• Federal Trade Commission
• Report a Vehicle Safety Problem – NHTSA

Where the Dealer May Be Improving

To maintain objectivity: some customers report satisfactory sales experiences and note that individual staff members attempted to resolve issues. In certain cases, service managers reportedly expedited parts or made goodwill repairs after escalations. That said, the volume and seriousness of negative public feedback indicate systemic problems at the Lake City location, particularly around delivery readiness, communication, paperwork processing, and service delays. Buyers should act as their own advocates and verify everything in writing.

For broader industry context on how to navigate dealer claims and delivery-day stress tests, browse independent consumer advocacy content like Liz Amazing’s how-to spot dealer red flags and search for “Camping World Lake City.”

Consumer Action Checklist for Lake City Shoppers

• Independent inspection: Hire a third-party inspector and require fixes prior to delivery, or renegotiate price based on findings.
• Delivery-day testing: Bring a checklist and test every system on-site. Reject delivery if critical systems fail.
• Financing leverage: Arrive with a credit union pre-approval so payment conversations don’t mask price increases.
• Refuse unwanted add-ons: Provide a written “do not add” list to F&I. Ask for every optional product’s full contract and pricing before signing.
• Trade-in protection: Get competing trade quotes and document condition with photos.
• Titles and paperwork: Require a written timeline and a named contact responsible for title/registration processing.
• We Owe form: Get all promises in writing, with dates, on a signed “We Owe”/Due Bill.
• Escalation plan: For unresolved issues, escalate to management, the manufacturer, the Florida AG, FLHSMV, and the BBB as appropriate.
• Community verification: Search for your exact model and this location in owner forums and share your experience to warn others. Add your advice for fellow shoppers.

Verify and Dig Deeper: Research Links for Camping World RV Sales – Lake City, FL

Use these targeted searches and platforms to validate claims, read complaint timelines, and gather current reports. Replace “Issues” with “Problems,” “Complaints,” or a specific topic as needed.

• YouTube search: Camping World Lake City FL Issues
• Google search: Camping World Lake City FL Issues
• BBB search: Camping World Lake City FL
• Reddit r/RVLiving search: Camping World Lake City FL Issues
• Reddit r/GoRVing search: Camping World Lake City FL Issues
• Reddit r/rvs search: Camping World Lake City FL Issues
• PissedConsumer (search “Camping World Lake City FL” on-site)
• NHTSA recall search (dealership query)
• RVForums.com (use site search)
• RVForum.net (use site search)
• RVUSA Forum (use header search)
• RVInsider search: Camping World Lake City FL Issues
• Good Sam Community search: Camping World Lake City FL Issues

For visual buyer guides and dealership practice breakdowns, see Liz Amazing’s RV buyer education videos and search her channel for this location or the exact RV model you’re considering.

The Upsell Problem: Are Extended Plans Worth It?

Extended service plans and protection packages can offer value—but only when terms, deductibles, authorization processes, and exclusions are clearly understood. The most common complaints involve promise vs. reality gaps: including denied claims for water intrusion (often excluded), wear-and-tear classifications, or long hold times for authorizations that strand owners. Know what the manufacturer covers for year one, what the plan covers, and who actually pays for diagnostics and mobile labor.

• Demand specifics: Ask for a copy of the policy booklet to read at home before purchase. Verify cancellation terms and refund pro-ration.
• Shop third-party plans: Compare prices and coverage outside the dealership if you want extended protection.

What Real-World Delays Mean for Your Wallet and Trips

When delivery-day defects or rapid post-purchase failures occur, you can lose prepaid campsite fees, vacation time, and potentially face out-of-pocket lodging if a full-time rig is down. Parts delays and authorization bottlenecks can sideline a coach for weeks. This is why independent inspection, delivery-day testing, and written commitments are essential. If you’ve had a trip canceled due to service delays at this location, please add your timeline and costs so others can prepare.

If You Proceed: Contract and Delivery Guardrails

• Everything in writing: Verbal promises don’t count. Use a due bill (“We Owe”) for any to-be-completed items, with dates and remedies if missed.
• Line-item review: Review every fee. Decline non-required “prep” packages you don’t want.
• VIN checks: Confirm no open recalls and that the unit you’re signing matches the VIN on the deal paperwork and insurance binder.
• Walk-away readiness: Be prepared to walk if financing, fees, or condition change at signing. Your best leverage is before you accept delivery.

Objectivity Note

Not every customer will encounter the problems described here, and some experiences will be positive. Still, the preponderance of recent low-star feedback for Camping World RV Sales – Lake City, FL suggests that buyers should approach with uncommon diligence: insist on a third-party inspection, demand clarity on financing and add-ons, and document every promise.

Final Assessment

Based on the volume and seriousness of publicly available complaints about delayed paperwork, delivery-day defects, service backlogs, and aggressive upsells at Camping World RV Sales – Lake City, FL, we do not recommend purchasing an RV from this location without substantial safeguards. At minimum, secure an independent pre-purchase inspection, refuse unwanted add-ons, bring outside financing, and be willing to walk if conditions change. If possible, consider comparing offers and service reputations at other regional RV dealerships before committing.

If you’ve bought from this store, what happened? Post your experience to help other shoppers.